Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Hobson's choice
A choice forced upon someone
Understanding the Idiom: Hobson's Choice
The idiom "Hobson's choice" refers to a situation where, although there seems to be a choice, there is only one real option available. Essentially, it means you are forced to take what is offered, or nothing at all. It is not a choice between multiple desirable options, nor is it necessarily a choice between good and bad options. It highlights the lack of genuine alternatives.
Analyzing the Options for Hobson's Choice
Let's examine the given options to find the most appropriate meaning of "Hobson's choice":
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Option 1: To choose the best option
This is incorrect. Hobson's choice implies a lack of choice or a forced choice, not the selection of a preferred alternative from many.
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Option 2: To choose the worst option
This is also incorrect. While the single available option might be undesirable, the idiom's core meaning is about the absence of alternatives, not the quality of the single option.
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Option 3: A choice forced upon someone
This option accurately captures the essence of Hobson's choice. It describes a situation where circumstances or the presenter of the 'choice' leave only one viable option, effectively forcing the individual to accept it.
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Option 4: A choice that is prejudiced
This is incorrect. Prejudice relates to preconceived opinions or biases. The idiom Hobson's choice is about the constraint of options, not bias in the selection process.
Most Appropriate Meaning of Hobson's Choice
Based on the analysis, the meaning that best fits the idiom "Hobson's choice" is "A choice forced upon someone." This reflects the historical origin of the phrase, which involved a stable owner named Thomas Hobson who gave customers only one option: take the horse nearest the stable door or take none at all.
Confirming the Correct Answer
The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Hobson's choice" is a situation where there is no real alternative, and one must accept what is offered. This is accurately described as a choice forced upon someone.
Revision Table: Idioms and Meanings
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| Hobson's Choice | A choice with no real alternative; a forced choice. | Taking the only available flight home was a Hobson's choice. |
| Beat around the bush | Avoiding the main topic; not speaking directly about the issue. | Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want. |
| Break a leg | Good luck (often used before a performance). | "You have an exam tomorrow? Break a leg!" |
Additional Information on English Idioms
Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the ordinary meanings of the individual words that make up the phrase. They are a fundamental part of any language and are used to add color, emphasis, or nuance to communication. Understanding idioms is crucial for comprehending native speakers and reading advanced texts.
Learning idioms requires exposure and practice. Often, the meaning is learned through context or specific study. The idiom "Hobson's choice" is a classic example of how a historical situation gives rise to a widely used phrase with a specific, non-literal meaning.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
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Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c), and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.
The deluge affected the population.The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is
Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?
1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.
2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
